UAE Engages In Comprehensive Discussions At COP29 For UN 2026 Water Conference Preparation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively engaging in global water discussions, as demonstrated by its participation at COP29. Abdulla Balalaa, the UAE's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, led the delegation. His involvement underscored the UAE's dedication to elevating water issues on the international stage and highlighted initiatives aimed at tackling global water challenges.

During COP29, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a session to preview the upcoming UN 2026 Water Conference. This session was part of the programming at the UAE Pavilion on Food, Agriculture, and Water Day. The session provided an overview of the conference's vision and facilitated discussions on global water priorities. These included enhancing water focus within the three Rio conventions and adopting a cross-sectoral approach to accelerate global water efforts.

The session was co-hosted by Abdulla Balalaa and Daouda Ngom, Senegal’s Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition. It brought together key figures from various sectors, including María Fernanda Espinosa, former Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and 73rd President of the UN General Assembly. Other notable participants were Francesco La Camera from the International Renewable Energy Agency and Astrid Schomaker from the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Balalaa stated during this session: "Through the UN 2026 Water Conference, the UAE aims to raise ambition, reimagine ways of working, and collaboratively identify innovative solutions and impactful outcomes that will move the needle on Sustainable Development Goal 6." This statement reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering collaborative efforts for sustainable water management.

The UN 2026 Water Conference engagements also included informal consultations with non-state actors about potential themes for interactive dialogues at the conference. Additionally, a roundtable discussion was held with private sector representatives, philanthropies, and non-government organisations to address challenges related to water investment.

At COP29, various events highlighted the UAE's prioritisation of water and climate issues. Building on COP28's success in focusing on water within COP processes, these activities included a keynote address at the inauguration of the Water for Climate Pavilion. Attendees included Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon and other notable figures like Sweden’s Climate Ambassador.

Key Initiatives Highlighted

The UAE showcased significant initiatives such as the Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZWI), which serves as a catalyst for addressing water scarcity solutions. The country also endorsed the COP29 Water for Climate Action Declaration and participated in launching Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action as its implementation mechanism.

During this launch event, Balalaa stressed positioning water at climate action's core. He emphasised ensuring continuous dialogue between COPs leading up to the UN 2026 Water Conference in UAE. This approach aims to maintain momentum in addressing critical water issues globally.

The UAE's active participation in these discussions highlights its commitment to advancing global water priorities through collaborative efforts across sectors. By engaging with diverse stakeholders worldwide, it seeks innovative solutions that contribute significantly towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water access globally.

With inputs from WAM